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A woman in Iowa was arrested charged with theft and driving under the influence after allegedly stealing a car and shoplifting. The woman drove the stolen car to Family Dollar where she stole $99.24 worth of merchandise. Police later found the woman after she drove the stolen vehicle into a snowbank. In her attempt to escape, she backed the stolen vehicle into a police cruiser. She was arrested for driving under the influence and police said that she smelled of alcohol and was unable to stand. This was her second driving under the influence offense.

Auto Theft in Washington

If the woman had stolen the car in Washington, she likely would have been charged with auto theft. Defined as “wrongfully obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over a motor vehicle owned by another person,” auto theft is punishable as a felony. A conviction can result in up to ten years in prison and a fine of no more than $20,000. In addition, a conviction of auto theft is considered to be a crime of moral turpitude and can have a lasting impact on a person's ability to pass background checks for housing and employment.

Shoplifting in Washington

Shoplifting is a crime in Washington. Theft in the third degree, also known as petty theft, is the criminal charge for shoplifting merchandise with a value of less than $750. The punishment for theft in the third degree is imprisonment of up to one year in county jail, a fine of $5,000, or both.

Second DUI in Washington

If this event had happened in Washington, the woman may have been charged with a second DUI. There is a seven-year look back period for DUI convictions, meaning that there are enhanced punishments for a conviction of more than one DUI in a seven-year period. A second DUI conviction can result in license suspension of up to three years, in addition to a jail sentence of up to one year, electronic home detention, one year of an interlock device and fines of up to $5,000.

The woman may have also been charged with a felony DUI if she had been in Washington. Felony DUI charges result from committing vehicular assault while driving under the influence. Vehicular assault charges are associated with eluding police and causing an injury to someone or an accident to occur. Depending on the details of the situation, if the woman had intentionally backed the stolen car into the police cruiser in an attempt to evade police, she could have been charged with vehicular assault in Washington.

Arrested for Theft or DUI in Washington? Steve Karimi Can Help.

If you have been charged with theft or DUI in Washington, you need an experienced attorney. Theft and DUI convictions are serious crimes and they can have a lasting impact on your future. As a former prosecutor, Steve Karimi understands the best defense strategies to use in criminal cases to protect and defend your rights. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi for a consultation today. Fill out an online case evaluation form or call (206) 621-8777 to get a skilled defense attorney on your side.

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About the Author

Steve Karimi attended Pepperdine University School of Law. After graduation he worked as a prosecutor in Seattle where he gained valuable insight to the criminal justice system. Attorney Karimi uses his experiences as a prosecutor everyday only now he fights for the justice of those accused.

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If you were arrested or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Seattle or surrounding areas of Washington State, the Law Offices of Steve Karimi can help. Call 206-621-8777 during regular business hours or 206-660-6200 24 hours a day for a free consultation.

Seattle Defense Lawyer

Named a "rising star" in criminal defense by Washington Law and Politics magazine, Mr. Karimi is a former prosecutor for King County who uses his insight into prosecution strategies to protect his clients' rights in criminal court.